Foothill Shepherds Confirmed HIP DYSPLASIA Granite Falls North Carolina

After reading the complaint and all the resulting follow-up I feel the need to express certain things so that they are clear to others reading this report.

General Info

1) Canine Hip Dysplasia is an inherited condition. Environment or activity does NOT cause this condition to be present, genes do.

2) Environment, activity and body condition have an effect on HOW the disease expresses itself, but not always. This means that environment, activity and weight can cause the condition to be seen more readily or not cause it to be seen at all. A dog can have severe CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia) and show no outward signs of the disease at all, this is why hip screening is so very important for breeders to perform.

3) CHD appears and is present in ALL lines of the German Shepherd Dog, all over the world. No line is free of the genes for this disease. A lack of any verified CHD incidences in a line is really not something that is reliable. Either the breeder of that line has not been breeding very long to have produced an affected individual OR it is present but all dogs produced have not been screened via x-ray to have it be confirmed.

4) If a breeder produces a dog with CHD it does NOT mean they are a bad or irresponsible breeder. Due to the wide spread nature of the genes of this disease it is expected to be seen eventually. A breeder should be judged by their efforts to breed toward and for sound hips. Their use of OFA certification demonstrates this effort. ALL German Shepherd Dogs being used for breeding should have their hips xrayed and certified by either the OFA, the SV or other acceptable hip schemes.

5) There is NO certain age by which time CHD will show up or become known. There are dogs that live their entire life with severe CHD and never show symptoms of the disease. The owner only becomes aware of the problem due to an xray taken and the damage being visable.

6) ALL breeders breeding breeds that are affected by CHD should be knowledgeable about this genetic problem. If a breeder is NOT knowledgeable about CHD in an affected breed, go to another breeder.

Comments Specific to this Report

1) This involves two people blaming each other for a problem that is largely unpredictable. Buyers need to realize no breeder can ultimately guarantee that a puppy will not develop CHD, it's not realistic. Breeders need to be sensitive to the shock and concern of a client with a recently diagnosed dog, especially if that dog is exhibiting symptoms. The value of a breeder in this situation is how they handle the situation. Blaming the client for their dog developing a genetically inherited condition is a cop-out.

A client calling a breeder that has actively tried to avoid CHD a "bad breeder" is unrealistic. People have to realize when you buy a puppy it is a living thing and is a result of mother nature. A human has manipulated mother nature but no breeder can control all the genes that go into creating a puppy. People need to be aware of the risks they take in choosing a certian breed of dog and the possible genetic abnormalities and defects that can be present in a puppy of that breed.

2) I do have concerns about the breeder addressed in this report. There are some red flags that would cause me, as a GSD fancier and retired breeder, to reconsider getting a puppy from this breeder. The first thing is obviously her reaction to the complaint here, blaming the client for the expression of CHD in her dog is not correct at all. Second, writing inaccurate information about the expression of CHD and stating it was caused by environment or any outside factor is concerning. Third, this breeder brags about her stud dog weighing 120 pounds on her website, her female weighing 95 pounds and lists that she breeds for size.

GSDs should NEVER weigh that much. The GSD is a medium sized breed and should be bred to it's written and accepted breed standard not for certian or select traits. Fourth, this breeder does not list her dogs pedigree or origin on her website and goes as far as to instruct people to make an appointment to view this information, that's just odd in general. Most breeders are proud of their dog's lineage and will gladly share this information. Puppy buyers should be able to compare pedigrees of breeders and litters they are considering but, with this breeder that is not really possible.

Fifth, there is no claim of OFA certifications on breeding dogs that belong to this breeder, no registered names to enable a puppy buyer to look up this information, no certification numbers given. There is honestly really nothing on the breeder's website to indicate that this breeder is a serious fancier. The dogs do not appear to be shown in the conformation ring, obedience ring or have any titles whatsoever. While there are claims of what puppies produced by this breeder have done there is nothing really to back this up. Now, I would never simply wish to judge someone based on just a website however when you do have a website and it simply seems geared toward litter or breeding announcements it is a red flag.

   In short, what we have is a breeder that brags about the out of standard size of her dogs, gives no identifying information on her dogs, expresses nothing about possible hip screening on her breeding program and blames a client for the development of CHD in one of her puppies. I also see that this breeder is using the same kennel name as a successful GSDCA club breeder in Tennesse.

   I am sure the breeder loves and cares for her dogs and puppies and has good intentions. I suggest she locate a local dog club or German Shepherd Dog Club branch to continue learning about the breed.

   I see various people expressing happiness and satisfaction with the puppies they have purchased from this breeder but I wonder how many of those clients have actually had their dog's hips screened? It takes more than happy puppies to become a reliable, respected breeder of German Shepherd Dogs.... I'm sure my opinion will not make the breeder happy however, it is my opinion based on my knowledge and experience within the GSD breed and based on the information available supplied by the breeder herself.

After a very long tearful conversation with Chastity we decided that we BOTH love Hyde and his best interest is our common goal :o).

NO MORE POSTS WILL FOLLOW!!!

You don't know me but if you choose to blindy believe lies from Chastity, go ahead. I hope your dog, Dana continues to be healthy... if you notice any limp please see your vet (NOT Chastity).

You don't love her one ounce more than I love my dog, Hyde.

That MUST have been a converstaion with someone else. My dog has NEVER been injured NOR would I ever demand another one of your dogs given HIP DYSPLASIA in your breeding program! How many others have you covered up in your thirteen years of breeding???

Like I have stated...

YOU HAVE YOUR BIG MOUTH LIES CHASTITY.

I HAVE DOCUMENTED PROOF.

Anyone is welcome to contact me for more info & the xrays.

 Chastity, no longer that I filed a rebuttal on this lady, she already responded back to you. This lady wants to fight you and it is clearly seen how she is attacking you. Wow girl don't respond to her anymore. Something is wrong with her. I saw where she put her very first email to you. She's getting desperate. Just leave her alone and let her be. The other clients from this same litter will be filing their reports for you. I cannot believe this woman. So sorry Chastity.

My girl from this same litter is ok lady. I've personally talked with 4 others from this litter. So thats me, you, and the 4 others. That is 6. All of ours are ok. What do you want from Chastity. Leave her alone!

FOLLOWING IS MY FIRST E-MAIL TO CHASTITY MAY 15,2013 / NOTE MY DEMANDS... NONE! SADLY, CHASTITY IS LYING TO COVER THIS UP.

The more you write, the more rediculous you sound Chastity.

FACT IS  Hyde has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. He is only 2 1/2 years old out of RICO & GABBY. He's probably NOT your 1st nor will he be your last. Since you are not responsible enough to make it OPEN INFORMATION for your buyers, I will. As consumers we have a right to be informed NOT LIED TO. My heart is broken and if I can prevent that for anyone else you can bet the farm I WILL BE HEARD.

There's really nothing more to discuss. If fabricating stories about my dog & me makes you feel better >>> go for it!

 This lady has some serious mental issues. I knew that she was physically with problems but now I see, mentally as well. TAMI, you can say it's my livelyhood all you want BUT 13 years of hundreds of satisfied clients and NO HD speaks for itself. No cover ups either. You are emotionally charged with a unfiltered mouth at this point. You are a confined case...a CONFINED case. I HAVE contacted EVERY puppy parent from this litter since we've talked. NO CASES. Would you like their numbers to call them yourself? I can give every prospect of a client MANY MANY MANY MANY MANY references dating back 13 years. Keep on your raging campaign against me. It won't work.

I HAVE IT ON VOIUCEMAIL AND EMAIL...HERE IT GOES WHAT SHE WANTS...

VIA EMAIL...THIS IS WHAT SHE SAID....  On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 3:57 PM, the wolfsens <wolfsen*@gmail.com> wrote:

 I NEVER asked for another pup. In addition, after talking to Hyde's Vet regarding the truth about hip dysplasia (NOT AT ALL what Chastity claimed) you could not pay me to go through this heartache again!

Most breeders who charge $1000 and up for German Shepherds GUARANTEE against hip dysplasia for at least 3 years to life! My dog weighs less than RICO and I play chuck-it with him every morning from my wheelchair for 15-20 minutes.

Chastity says Hyde is overweight & overworked... I gotta laugh.

Hyde's Vet and I will keep my boy free of pain as long as possible. I am planning on MANY YEARS with him! He's the most beautiful, awesome GSD I have ever dealt with. People just fall all over him @ Petsmart!

Chastity can badmouth me all she wants, like I said "It IS her livelyhood".

 Chastity's allegations are nonsense... NOT worth a response.

I adore my dog, Hyde and would NEVER consider another Foothill Shepherd dog after learning the truth about hip dysplasia IN THE LINEAGE! My dog has been cared for as well or better than any other dog Chastity has EVER sold and his vet records ARE AVAILABLE and show that. He is professionally obedience trained & my service dog.

Chastity would blame hip dysplasia on the "tooth fairy" if she thought it would prove her dogs "exempt". Be aware, they are NOT. She listed me as a "disgruntled client", what a pathetic excuse for a responsible breeder. She should have said HEARTBROKEN CLIENT, that would have been more accurate.

For the record... I never blamed Chastity for this horrible disease. Hip dysplasia is POLYGENETIC, it skips generations & can strike ANY dog(s) randomly. But it IS hereditary & that IS a FACT!

SO LETS CONSIDER OUR MOTIVATIONS:

Mine: I want to let everyone know that MY DOG from this breeder is dysplastic. I have nothing to gain, it's the RESPONSIBLE thing to do.

Chastity: This IS her livelyhood. News like this may decrease her business.

I am seriously wondering if Hyde is THE FIRST ONE??? I am certain he won't be the LAST one. At this point I wouldn't trust Chastity as far as I could throw her. She has turned on us like a POISONOUS SNAKE!

All those "money hungry" complaints you see about her... she has proven them true to me over the head of this crisis.

 Yes, I did remove her absurb post from a website tonight asking for prayers. But did she tell you what she said BEFORE that? I guess not. She's trying to make me out to be the bad guy here but I am not. She was trying to smear a solid reputation for 13 years on my page and yes, I deleted it. Why should I let her do that?

Also, Tami sent me this wikeopdia article on HD. I guess she didn't read it, lol. The article PLAINLY states this: In dogs, the problem almost always appears by the time the dog is 18 months old. (FYI:THAT IS WHY I GUARANTEE MY DOGS TILL AGE 2.) If it is genetics, it will show up around 1 year of age. I give a extra year per my vet's advice...just to be sure. :) Now this is from the wikeopedia article SHE posted on HD. Not MY words. She needs to get the facts straight! She said HD rarely shows up before age 2...what does the article say? It shows up before age 2!

The article also states: The causes of hip dysplasia are considered heritable, but new research conclusively suggests that environment also plays a role.^[5] To what degree the causality is genetic and what portion environmental is a topic of current debate. Environmental influences would include overweight condition, injury at a young age, overexertion on hip joint at a young age, ligament tear at a young age, repetitive motion on forming joint (i.e. jogging with puppy under the age of 1 year). As current studies progress, greater information will help provide procedures to effectively reduce the occurrence of this condition. It can arise even to animals with impeccable hip scored parents.

This environment that this poor doggie lives in HAS played a part. I do not doubt he is taken care of but the stress on his body that he endures from being her service dog and rough play has had it's part. I CONTIOUSLY tell each and every client about HD and genetics plays a part as much as environmental factors.

FYI: When she told me about her dog, she then proceeded to ask me about the contract. She stated "I don't know just asking about the contract". She said "Just think about it" when I told her "no" to another pup to give to her son. She then stated that she could tell her vet to state he had it at a younger age to get another pup. She was on speaker phone at that time. I have witnesses to that! My OFA's is supported also. This is the kinda emails I received tonight. "Stupid" "Backyard breeder" "Denial" "Money hungray", lol. I try to please everyone but it doesnt always happen. She says I'm a smooth talker, lol. Hardly. I have a passion for this breed and it shows.

I am NOT denying the poor dog has the condition (as she continuously states that I do), but genetics did NOT cause it. My contracts state 1yr health and 2 year hips. I go above and beyond what MOST breeders guarantee. I do try to screen out the "quacks" and "flukes" the best I can but sometimes they slip through. I figure she will continue and continue on but I have a kennel and pooches to take care of. God bless you Tami! I'd like to stay in touch about Hyde and know how he is doing. You are in my prayers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_dysplasia_(canine)

I did talk to my vet for about 45 mins Friday. He said that xrays cannot prove or disprove how a animal came down with HD. That it is a hunch whether or not its hereditary or environmental. But it's only that...a hunch. The vet knows my dog's history and I told him my suspicions on Hyde. Y'all can gather one for yourself as me and my vet did.

 This is priceless... Chastity guarantees her dogs until 2 years of age.

1) If it's not genetic (as she claims) WHY guarantee them at all???

2) Hip dysplasia rarely shows up before age 2 & even then can BARELY be seen on radiograph (xrays).

If you're buying from Chastity, I wish you THE best. She has RICO/GABBY pups for sale now!

I will ONLY buy from breeders who have ALL their breeding dogs HIPS' certified OFA, in the future. NO MORE back yard breeders for me.

 Sadly, Chastity would rather cover-up confirmed case(s) of hip dysplasia rather than face the facts.

One of RICO/GABBY pups born August 30, 2010 has this hereditary disease. Chastity is NOT a veterinarian / just the smooth talking recipient of money for beautiful dogs.

My information is factual & vet/xray supported. I can be contacted with this user ID at g mail. 

 Foothill Shepherds was contacted last week and the client left a voice mail and emailed me stating this almost 3 year old dog had hip dysplasia. She also stated at that time when we spoke on the phone that he was her service dog and did most everything for her. She stated the dog had been injured several times while playing ball and doing chores for her. The vet she has told her to take some weight off of the dog. I try my hardest to educate folks that overworking a dog at a young age while bones are still growing and/or being over weight will cause HD.

She then demanded a free pup to replace him (who is still living and ok) for her son who had moved next door. I told her "no" as I truly believe that this dog has been overworked. I believe 100% in my lines and back them up...she had a 2 year contract on hips that was signed by us both...but it has expired. I do not do lifetime hip warranties b/c so many times, the lifestyle brings on a dogs HD condition.  Its very sad. I have many dogs in police enforcement, search and rescue, service dogs, and family companions and this is a first...but it is NOT genetic. It has NEVER shown up in my lines. My love for these furr babies is first and foremost and I would never breed lines that have HD.

My client went on my public Foothill Shepherds page and started slandering me and I blocked her which she then started harrassing me via email, name calling and threatening me. She is a disgruntld client who was trying to squeeze a free pup from me and tonight, I have endured being called in denial or stupid or BOTH. She has emailed me threats to destroy my livelyhood. This lady no doubt loves her dog but these circumstances were beyond my control. People must take accountability when it comes to how they raised their dogs and over work them...not to mention to much weight.  

As I read over her comments below, it is a completely different person than whom I have been speaking/emailing with. I do feel sad and am hurt by this and the client's situation. I know she says hes had good care and I do believe that but I also know what she has told me about his incidents of being hurt while playing or working. My vet said on Friday when I spoke with him how these small incidents can harm a animal later on. He compred it to a athlete who gets hurt over and over in the same area while playing sports then one day, it becomes serious. 

I wish this client all the best and I told her in my final words after she was very rude and name calling...God bless you. I have nothing else to say. Then she emails me back and encloses this link. If she continues to reply to this as she has through email all evening, I have said my FINAL say. Good luck and God bless! :)